Your well-meaning, opinionated friends and family members can systematically tear your relationship apart … if you let them.

In a recent graduation speech, Lisa Kudrow told young people not to take risks. And, believe it or not, I agree with her.

Avoid the drama and expense of legal battles by planning for your split before it happens.

When you remember past relationships, do you think of your former partners fondly? Or are you still bitter, angry or hurt?

If your ex is still a good parent to your children, consider yourself blessed.

Do you and your partner play the blame game? Psychologists say it’s only natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s productive.

When two people share a home, they both undoubtedly want to feel comfortable there. But there will probably be times when they have opposing desires about what should go on in that space.

How much of what you read or hear about other people’s romantic partnerships do you actually believe?

Sometimes the egocentric desire to keep score can ruin the enjoyment we get from simply giving to others.

What does your partner do that drives you crazy? Are you capable of simply accepting that quality or behavior as part of who your mate is, and not considering it a ploy designed to infuriate you?

How well do you and your partner make decisions together and resolve potential conflicts? Are you able to do so in a way that usually leaves both parties feeling heard, and to some degree, satisfied?

Are there aspects of your relationship that are too “sacred” to even discuss? If so, you might be headed for turbulence.

Considering the emotional, financial and even bodily damage that infidelity can bring about, it’s worth discussing your thoughts on the issue with your mate.

Do you feel guilty about decisions you made in the past? If so, consider this: “right” and “wrong” are subjective, and guilt is a waste of time.

Neither selfishness nor selflessness is good or bad. In fact, the two concepts are inextricably linked, not opposites, as their definitions seemingly imply.

Whether to have children is a very big (and very personal) decision. And it can really get complicated when factoring a partner’s desires into the equation.

To have children, or not to have children: This question has changed the dynamic of many marriages – for better, or for worse.

Here’s what to do about those home-wrecking “other women.”

A key to a healthy, productive relationship is not learning how to spot the signs of an affair; it is to stop worrying about it.

Do you use condemnation as a way to manipulate others into doing and behaving how you think they should?

Only you can determine what you value in life and/or how you behave in order to be “a man” or “a woman.”

My second guest blogger, Jill Nelson discusses why women so often conflate a monogamous relationship with love.

Debt is an unpleasant reality that most Americans have learned to live with – both in their personal finances and in their politics. But remember when you’re holiday shopping this year that it can also be hard on a marriage.

When we stop blaming our former partners, and understanding the roles that we played in failed relationships, we may find peace, personal growth and a chance at new love.

You don’t have to like your ex’s new love interest. But by bringing her into scale, you may begin liking yourself again.

Divorce is hard on children, but when those children are grown, it can be even harder.

If you can learn and grow from an experience, it isn’t abuse. It is a learning opportunity.

Research shows unhappily-married people to be far less content with life than their single counterparts.

Is having children a sacrifice, or is it just as selfish as everything else we do?

Has your mate ever done something that hurt you? A new study suggests that it probably wasn’t as painful as you remember.

Are you thinking about (or already) checking your partner’s e-mails, text messages or call logs? And is doing so getting you anywhere?

Sometimes, it takes a village to run a household.

“Social appreciation” is not a “tip.”

The Queen of Soul says, “Don’t be afraid to grow out of love.”

Keep minor disagreements from becoming full-blown arguments by creating some rules for engagement in your relationship.

Believe it or not, conflict can be good for your relationship.